2022 Older Barrels Pinot Noir

Appellation

Sta. Rita Hills

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

Vineyard Sources

100% Ashley's Vineyard (Blocks U, W, T) located in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation

Barrel Aging

Aged 11 months in 100% neutral 4-year old barrels

Cooperage

Meyrieux, Mercurey, Atelier Centre, Francois Freres, Seguin Morea

Technical Data

Composition

100% Pinot Noir (Clones: 115, 114, Pommard)

Alcohol %

14.1

Acidity

0.570 g/100mL

3.70

Harvest Brix

23.1-25.5

Harvest Date

9/9 - 9/21/22

Production

601 cases

Description

Our small lot bottlings enable us to deliver some of our finest expressions of pinot noir by concentrating on specific vineyards, clonal selections or techniques. The "Older Barrels" Pinot Noir is aged for 11 months exclusively in four-year old, or "neutral", French barrels. The absence of new oak allow for a more delicate, sophisticated wine showcasing purity of fruit flavors.

This wine shows attractive dark cherry, raspberry and floral notes on the nose. Cherry and cranberry fruit is backed up with firm acidity, minerality and spice flavors on the palate. Enjoy!

Wine Critic Reviews

"Intense black cherry and cola aromas are dense and a touch leathery on the nose of this bottling. The palate is full of earth, wood spice and dark star-anise flavors, showing a more muscular side of this variety." ~ Wine Enthusiast "Plump and ripe in feel, with friendly notes of cherry and red currant preserves laced with black tea and singed anise hints. There's a pretty hibiscus echo on the finish as the fruit lingers steadily. Drink now through 2031." ~ Wine Spectator